I know after my Gator case debacle a couple of years ago (the foam did something to cause rusting on a stored drum) turned me off of Gator for all time, but just recently I was shopping for new cases for my Pearl kit, and noticed that MusiciansFriend had no-foam Protechtor cases at a really good price. I guess they're affiliated with Gator, but without foam, I figure they should be safe because the roto-molded plastic is good. I love them on my Humes&Berg Enduro cases, and I even have a Protechtor case for my 14x24 bass drum which works out great - letting me think getting more shouldn't be a problem.

So I happily order a 8x10, 14x14, and 16x16 Protechtor Cases and get them, only to find out that they don't really fit! The floor tom cases can take drums of those sizes provided the leg brackets have wingnuts that protude from the side (like Ludwig). Pearl's leg brackets have wing nuts that extend out on top (like DW and others). The 8x10 case cannot accommodate a drum with a suspension mount without bending wider.

So my recommendation, if you have drums like my Pearls, avoid the Protechtor cases. They won't fit. If you have Ludwigs, you're good!

Fortunately, MusiciansFriend, upon getting my call, were very happy to give me a refund, and pay to get them shipped back. Very nice of them. I just have to find a box that's 20" cubed since I already trashed the boxes weeks ago (they were bought before I received the drums). I guess I stick with Humes&Berg!

I know after my Gator case debacle a couple of years ago (the foam did something to cause rusting on a stored drum) turned me off of Gator for all time, but just recently I was shopping for new cases for my Pearl kit, and noticed that MusiciansFriend had no-foam Protechtor cases at a really good price. I guess they're affiliated with Gator, but without foam, I figure they should be safe because the roto-molded plastic is good. I love them on my Humes&Berg Enduro cases, and I even have a Protechtor case for my 14x24 bass drum which works out great - letting me think getting more shouldn't be a problem.

So I happily order a 8x10, 14x14, and 16x16 Protechtor Cases and get them, only to find out that they don't really fit! The floor tom cases can take drums of those sizes provided the leg brackets have wingnuts that protude from the side (like Ludwig). Pearl's leg brackets have wing nuts that extend out on top (like DW and others). The 8x10 case cannot accommodate a drum with a suspension mount without bending wider.

So my recommendation, if you have drums like my Pearls, avoid the Protechtor cases. They won't fit. If you have Ludwigs, you're good!

Fortunately, MusiciansFriend, upon getting my call, were very happy to give me a refund, and pay to get them shipped back. Very nice of them. I just have to find a box that's 20" cubed since I already trashed the boxes weeks ago (they were bought before I received the drums). I guess I stick with Humes&Berg!

Thanks Les, I found boxes at my local Staples that are 20" cubed so we're good there. I am quite blown away that they're willing to pay for the shipping back and give me a full refund of the purchase price. Because they were sold to me with free shipping - meaning somebody paid for the shipping in the first place. This is a nice thing to happen to somebody ;)

Thanks Les, I found boxes at my local Staples that are 20" cubed so we're good there. I am quite blown away that they're willing to pay for the shipping back and give me a full refund of the purchase price. Because they were sold to me with free shipping - meaning somebody paid for the shipping in the first place. This is a nice thing to happen to somebody ;)

We're usually very down on GC and MF and the "big box" stores on this forum, so it's nice to hear a good story concerning them for a change. Very sorry you can't take your new toys with you though... I know you were really looking forward to that gig on those drums. Still doing the centered remote hi-hat with the Ludwigs?

We're usually very down on GC and MF and the "big box" stores on this forum, so it's nice to hear a good story concerning them for a change. Very sorry you can't take your new toys with you though... I know you were really looking forward to that gig on those drums. Still doing the centered remote hi-hat with the Ludwigs?

Well, the good news is with my existing cases, I only need to get a case for the 14x14 floor tom. I already had a 16x14 floor tom case that my 16x16 fits in (sorta) so it'll do.

But after I was looking at the logistics for this trip, I think it'll just be the standard Ludwigs with the regular hi-hat. Maybe even just the single pedal too. Although if I bring my rolling drum stage I could do the double pedal.....hmm......